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Lauren + Jim

Lauren and Jim’s love story is a modern day fairy tale. A chance meeting, globetrotting and even a quirky animal side kick. (I’m looking at you, Ralston!) Together they are exploring every inch of this planet while balancing loving on their family and friends and being total go getters in their careers. Talk about a power couple! They are truly best friends and have a blast together no matter the situation. I saw a glimpse into this while we did their engagement session last fall. It was FREEZING outside but despite the low temps, these two had smiles on their faces the entire time. In fact, that’s .. them. They radiate positivity, fun and warmth and their wedding was the perfect reflection of that.

The day was beautiful. The sun was shining and the breeze blew gently. It wasn’t too hot, not too cold. It was as though Mother Nature herself wanted to give Lauren and Jim a wedding gift. Inside the Airbnb where Lauren and her ladies were getting ready there was a buzz of excitement and a cloud of hairspray. Lauren’s mom, who is a hairstylist, did her hair which I thought was so incredible, what a special thing to be able to do for her daughter on her wedding day! All of the girls helped each other get ready and I spent at least five minutes fawning over Lauren’s incredible Kate Spade cactus wedges. (seriously still obsessed!) From popping open champagne to applying the temporary tattoo of Lauren and Jim’s dog, Ralston, to Lauren’s leg – there was certainly no shortage of laughter! All of the girls gathered around as Lauren’s mom helped her into her dress and then Lauren opened a gift that Jim had dropped off for her that morning. As she read his letter she burst out laughing (I’m sensing a pattern here!) which made everyone in the room laugh too. But those diamond earrings Jim gave her were no joke! What a guy!

And speaking of Jim, after I finished up with the girls I made my way to Embassy Suites where the guys were finishing up getting ready. (Major shout out to my husband Zach for chauffeuring Megan and I around all day so we didn’t have to spend precious wedding day time parking and walking all over the city. He’s the best!) Once inside the hotel, groomsmen were watching the World Cup and the ring bearers were giggling back and forth. Jim’s mom, a boutonniere master, helped the guys finish getting ready and Jim snuck upstairs to open his gift from his bride. After untying the blue ribbon he opened the box to reveal the most beautiful Omega watch! Wow! It really was stunning and I could tell how thrilled Jim was to receive it. Lauren knows him so well! Before long it was time for us all to head out into the streets! Or well, sidewalks rather as we walked from the hotel to Saint John the Evangelist stopping for photos on Georgia Street along the way.

Finally it was ceremony time! Saint John the Evangelist is breathtaking and was the perfecting setting for such a beautiful wedding! The ceremony was meaningful and lovely in every way! Next we headed to Monument Circle for some bridal party photos before arriving at The Tinker House for Lauren and Jim’s ridiculously fun reception! Hannah with Design the Day outdid herself with special touches! One of my favorites was the donut wall! If you know Lauren, you KNOW this girl loves donuts and I’m 100% positive that she would have had donuts at her wedding regardless if it’s on trend right now or not. Lauren is just THAT cool. Lauren’s mom even made dozens of the most scrumptious chocolate chip cookies I’ve ever had. And the deliciousness doesn’t stop there! Turf Catering had the most incredible food stations set up. A mac n cheese bar, pulled pork, smoked wings and a charcuterie board – oh my! It was a delight! Lauren and Jim’s love for travel was woven in amongst the details and fresh flowers brightened up every table. Sunshine and live music by Gordon Bonham filled the room as guests mingled and grabbed handcrafted Hotel Tango cocktails from the bar. Before long, it was time for speeches. Jim’s dad kept everyone laughing and Lauren’s dad surprised her with video messages from loved ones that are out of the country and not able to attend. Jim’s best man shared hilarious and heartwarming stories about Jim and Lauren’s maid of honor gifted the newly married couple with a donut of the month club – pure genius!

As the sunset sank below the Indianapolis skyline the party picked up speed and dance floor stayed packed! Guests BROKE. IT. DOWN. to Africa by Toto among other awesome songs and enjoyed a late night pizza delivery to fuel the dancing. Friends even hoisted Lauren and Jim onto their shoulders – the true mark of an awesome party! And then it was time to bid Lauren and Jim farewell with a sparkler exit. It was the perfect ending to the perfect day!

Lauren and Jim, your wedding was so full of fun that my cheeks hurt from smiling when I left. But that’s no surprise. Your love for the important people in your lives was evident in the way you made your wedding so ridiculously special for not just you, but for your guests too. Jim, I hope you never stop going out of your way just to make Lauren laugh that incredible, soul deep laugh of hers and Lauren I hope you always appreciate how sentimental and caring Jim is. But most of all, I hope you both smile like you did on your wedding day every day for the rest of your lives. I could not be happier for you both. Happy travels and congratulations!